"Also, as taxpayers, we're paying their wages. So for somebody to do that to someone who is paying their livelihood, you're not getting the service you're paying for."

But after installing the cameras at his home on All Saints Way, something Mr Dhande said he was planning to do despite the mystery, he managed to capture the man on Tuesday morning.

John Mason, Serco's general contract manager, said the firm valued the efforts resident make to separate waste.

"We expect our teams to uphold the highest standards and we are clear that the behaviour in this video is completely unacceptable. I would like to apologise and to reassure residents that we are taking this incident extremely seriously.

"I can confirm that the employee concerned no longer works for the company, and I will also be speaking to all our teams to remind them of their responsibilities.

Sandwell Council leader Steve Eling said: "This is totally unacceptable and we're glad that Serco have dealt with it swiftly."